Education:
Lecturer Raises Concerns Over Delayed Salary Structure and Promotion Implementation at ABSU.
An academic staff member of Abia State University (ABSU) has expressed deep frustration over the continued delay in implementing the approved salary structure for lecturers, noting that many other states across Nigeria have already adopted the new remuneration system for their tertiary institutions.
The lecturer questioned why the Abia State Government has remained reluctant to extend the same benefit to lecturers in the state-owned university.
The lecturer also decried the prolonged delay in implementing staff promotions, describing the situation as unfair and demoralizing. According to the complaint, several lecturers who earned promotions years ago are yet to enjoy the corresponding financial benefits. A professor promoted in 2023 is reportedly still receiving the salary of a senior lecturer, while some senior lecturers continue to earn the wages of Lecturer II despite their elevated academic ranks.
Beyond the delayed promotions, the lecturer lamented that no promotion arrears have been paid to affected staff, leaving many without the financial entitlements attached to their new positions. The situation, the lecturer argued, has negatively affected staff morale and raised concerns about the government's commitment to improving the welfare of university employees.
While emphasizing that Abia State is blessed with abundant human and natural resources, the lecturer questioned why civil servants, particularly university workers, continue to earn what was described as meagre and inadequate salaries. The appeal concluded with a call on the state government to address the lingering issues by implementing the approved salary structure, effecting all outstanding promotions, and paying the arrears owed to affected lecturers.
